Aaron Donald appears ready to bring some reinforcements to a Rams defense that just proved it could survive without him on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rams coach Sean McVay said Monday that Donald is expected to return to practice this week after back soreness kept the future Hall of Famer home for Los Angeles’ stunning 24-20 comeback victory over the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

More importantly, McVay indicated the expectation is for Donald to be back on the field Monday night when the Rams host Josh Allen and the 3-1 Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium.

“That’s the hope,” McVay said when asked if Donald would play.

Donald’s comeback from nearly three years of retirement has already required some careful maintenance. He missed the season opener in Australia while completing his ramp-up, flashed some of his familiar dominance in his Week 2 return against the Giants, then struggled against Denver before back soreness sidelined him in Philadelphia.

His absence, however, created valuable opportunities for Poona Ford, Tyler Davis and Braden Fiske alongside Kobie Turner. Turner said the familiarity and depth within the group has allowed the Rams to rotate bodies without a significant drop-off — experience that could become even more valuable when Donald and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett are both back.

And Donald might not be the only reinforcement arriving Monday night.

McVay said starting cornerback Jaylen Watson, who dislocated his shoulder against Denver, is also expected to practice this week. Watson’s availability against Buffalo remains uncertain, but his progress gives the Rams another reason for optimism.

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